The multiplets of finite width 0++ mesons and encounters with exotics

Complex-mass (finite-width) $0^{++}$ nonet and decuplet are investigated by means of exotic commutator method. The hypothesis of vanishing of the exotic commutators leads to the system of master equations (ME). Solvability conditions of these equations define relations between the complex masses of the nonet and decuplet mesons which, in turn, determine relations between the real masses (mass formulae), as well as between the masses and widths of the mesons. Mass formulae are independent of the particle widths. The masses of the nonet and decuplet particles obey simple ordering rules. The nonet mixing angle and the mixing matrix of the isoscalar states of the decuplet are completely determined by solution of ME; they are real and do not depend on the widths. All known scalar mesons with the mass smaller than $2000MeV$ (excluding $\sigma(600)$) and one with the mass $2200\div2400MeV$ belong to two multiplets: the nonet $(a_0(980), K_0(1430), f_0(980), f_0(1710))$ and the decuplet $(a_0(1450), K_0(1950), f_0(1370), f_0(1500), f_0(2200)/f_0(2330))$. It is shown that the famed anomalies of the $f_0(980)$ and $a_0(980)$ widths arise from an extra "kinematical" mechanism, suppressing decay, which is not conditioned by the flavor coupling constant. Therefore, they do not justify rejecting the $q\bar{q}$ structure of them. A unitary singlet state (glueball) is included into the higher lying multiplet (decuplet) and is divided among the $f_0(1370)$ and $f_0(1500)$ mesons. The glueball contents of these particles are totally determined by the masses of decuplet particles. Mass ordering rules indicate that the meson $\sigma(600)$ does not mix with the nonet particles.Comment: 22 pp, 1 fig, a few changes in argumentation, conclusions unchanged. Final version to appear in EPJ

Mode-locked dysprosium fiber laser: picosecond pulse generation from 2.97 to 3.30 {\mu}m

Mode-locked fiber laser technology to date has been limited to sub-3 {\mu}m wavelengths, despite significant application-driven demand for compact picosecond and femtosecond pulse sources at longer wavelengths. Erbium- and holmium-doped fluoride fiber lasers incorporating a saturable absorber are emerging as promising pulse sources for 2.7--2.9 {\mu}m, yet it remains a major challenge to extend this coverage. Here, we propose a new approach using dysprosium-doped fiber with frequency shifted feedback (FSF). Using a simple linear cavity with an acousto-optic tunable filter, we generate 33 ps pulses with up to 2.7 nJ energy and 330 nm tunability from 2.97 to 3.30 {\mu}m (3000--3400 cm^-1)---the first mode-locked fiber laser to cover this spectral region and the most broadly tunable pulsed fiber laser to date. Numerical simulations show excellent agreement with experiments and also offer new insights into the underlying dynamics of FSF pulse generation. This highlights the remarkable potential of both dysprosium as a gain material and FSF for versatile pulse generation, opening new opportunities for mid-IR laser development and practical applications outside the laboratory.Comment: Accepted for APL Photonics, 22nd August 201

Where is the pseudoscalar glueball ?

The pseudoscalar mesons with the masses higher than 1 GeV are assumed to belong to the meson decuplet including the glueball as the basis state supplementing the standard $SU(3)_F$ nonet of light $q\bar{q}$ states $(u,d,s)$. The decuplet is investigated by means of an algebraic approach based on hypothesis of vanishing the exotic $SU(3)_F$ commutators of "charges" and their time derivatives. These commutators result in a system of equations determining contents of the isoscalar octet state in the physical isoscalar mesons as well as the mass formula including all masses of the decuplet: $\pi(1300)$, K(1460), $\eta(1295)$, $\eta(1405)$ and $\eta(1475)$. The physical isoscalar mesons $\eta_i$, are expressed as superpositions of the "ideal" $q\bar{q}$ states ($N$ and $S$) and the glueball $G$ with the mixing coefficient matrix following from the exotic commutator restrictions. Among four one-parameter families of the calculated mixing matrix (numerous solutions result from bad quality of data on the $\pi(1300)$ and K(1460) masses) there is one family attributing the glueball-dominant composition to the $\eta(1405)$ meson. Similarity between the pseudoscalar and scalar decuplets, analogy between the whole spectra of the $0^{-+}$ and $0^{++}$ mesons and affinity of the glueball with excited $q\bar{q}$ states are also noticed.Comment: 18 pp., 2. figs., 2 tabs.; Published version. One of the authors withdraws his nam

Swept-wavelength mid-infrared fiber laser for real-time ammonia gas sensing

The mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral region holds great promise for new laser-based sensing technologies, based on measuring strong mid-IR molecular absorption features. Practical applications have been limited to date, however, by current low-brightness broadband mid-IR light sources and slow acquisition-time detection systems. Here, we report a new approach by developing a swept-wavelength mid-infrared fiber laser, exploiting the broad emission of dysprosium and using an acousto-optic tunable filter to achieve electronically controlled swept-wavelength operation from 2.89 to 3.25 {\mu}m (3070-3460 cm^-1). Ammonia (NH3) absorption spectroscopy is demonstrated using this swept source with a simple room-temperature single-pixel detector, with 0.3 nm resolution and 40 ms acquisition time. This creates new opportunities for real-time high-sensitivity remote sensing using simple, compact mid-IR fiber-based technologies.Comment: Invited article for APL Photonic